Water Treatment Plant Operator

This position is responsible for performing intermediate technical work performing operational, analytical, and maintenance tasks necessary to provide potable and palatable water within federal and State standards. Work involves responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of chemical and plant controls and the maintenance of plant equipment in proper condition. The work is performed under direction of the Water Treatment Plant Shift Leader and the Water Treatment Plant Superintendent. Monitors operating conditions of the entire treatment process and makes all necessary adjustments to keep the process within established guidelines. Observes all safety rules and wears personal protective equipment as required. Starts and stops pumps, motors, chemical feeders, and other equipment as needed. Performs routine process control tests, including chlorine residual, pH, alkalinity, hardness, jar tests, UV254, and other necessary water quality analysis to meet process requirements and maintain optimum chemical dosages. Keeps laboratory and such laboratory apparatus as test tubes, burettes, and beakers clean and in an orderly condition. Schedules and tracks State mandated water quality samples. Inspects plant; records information from various charts and gauges and enters readings and test results in accordance with prescribed reporting system; and adjusts operations to remedy raw and finished water conditions and to meet necessary use demands. Records head loss, rate of flow of filters, and determines when filters should be backwashed; operates filter controls in backwashing filters. Transfers chemicals from bulk storage tanks or drums to day tanks as necessary. Greases and oils machinery, fills chemical hoppers, cleans bar screens, replaces belts and does other maintenance and minor plant repairs as necessary. Provides thorough operations and testing to ensure potable and palatable water that meets or exceeds federal and State standards in sufficient quantities to meet demand. Performs required preventive maintenance and repair on all equipment that breaks down in order to maintain operations. Performs correctly split microbiological samples once a year to maintain laboratory analyst certification. Attends 30 hours of training every three years to maintain operator certification status. Responds when requested by the supervisor to any emergency at the water plant in order to maintain operations. Operate and maintain a plate and frame filter press. Performs other duties as required. Education and Experience High school diploma and [years] xperience in water or wastewater treatment plant operation and maintenance is preferred. Special Qualifications Possess a Maryland State Certificate as a Water Treatment Plant Operator (Certification Law .01B(2)a) at the Class 4 level. This certificate must be obtained no later than 3 years after employment as a Water Plant Operator or face possible demotion or termination; must immediately obtain temporary or higher Class 4 Maryland Water Operator's Certification and begin training to qualify for full certification, which includes successful passing of the Maryland Board of Waterworks and Waste Systems Operators Operator Examination. Possess a State of Maryland Drinking Water Sampler Certificate or must be obtained within 12 months of employment. Must posess a valid Start of Maryland driver's license as issued by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. Knowledge and Skills Knowledge of the principles and practices involved in the operation of large electric motors, pumps, chemical feed systems, and other electromechanical equipment. Knowledge of chemistry, hydraulics, and mathematics. Knowledge and understanding of the operations and functions of the water treatment plant and associated pumping stations, and the necessity for maintaining strict control conditions. Knowledge of laboratory procedures, mechanical and electrical maintenance, and equipment and hand tools used therein. General knowledge of physics, electricity, and electronics. General knowledge of the federal and State water quality standard especially the Safe Drinking Water Act and amendments and the required reporting requirements, federal and State safety regulations for a Class 4 water plant operation, especially OSHA, MOSHA, Right-To-Know, Underground Tank Regulations, and SARA Title III. Ability to ascertain and remedy abnormalities in the routine operation of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic equipment based on observation and results of laboratory tests. Ability to read meters and charts accurately, to maintain records of shift operations, and to complete complex operating reports accurately. Ability to understand and follow detailed laboratory and operating procedures, and to keep accurate records of actions taken. Ability to operate the water plant SCADA system. Ability to perform mathematical computations rapidly and accurately. Ability to adapt available tools and repair parts to specific repair problems. Ability to diagnose and correct the faulty functioning of chemical feed systems, pumps, controls, and allied appurtenances. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow team members, shift leaders, and superintendent. Sufficient physical strength and agility to climb ladders, work in confined spaces, and lift heavy objects. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Rockville